East London News A Force for the community…
WHO IS THIS MAN? Police have released the above e-fit in an attempt to find the ringleader of a gang of three men who robbed a 90 year old woman in her home in Bethnal Green.
The robbery took place on Tuesday, 19th January at around 2.45pm. The victim was walking through Bethnal Green, heading for her home. The suspects drove past her – and then turned their car round and followed her. They got out of the car as she entered her estate and followed her through a buzzer-controlled gate.
One of the men came up to the victim as she was about to go into her flat. He said that he was a plumber and was there to investigate a water leak in the block. He showed her patches of water on the floor and ceiling to back up his story, but police believe that he had sprayed the water there himself.
The victim then saw a second man, whom she did not recognise, coming out of her bedroom. Police believe that the second man got into the bedroom while the first man was distracting the victim, telling her about the leak. The victim later found that her bedroom had been ransacked. Fortunately, a new jumper, worth around £35, was the only item that appeared to be missing.
Seeing a second man in her flat made the victim realise that she was being burgled. The three men then left the flat and drove away in a dark blue Fiat Bravo. It seems the car had false number plates. The suspects are all white. The first one, who is shown in the e-fit, is thought to be in his mid-30s and is of large build. He was wearing a grey jumper and trousers. Police believe the three suspects have links to Essex and Hertfordshire.
Detective Constable Kate Osborne, who is leading the investigation, said, “I would urge the public to take a look at this image to see if they recognise the man. Although the victim was physically unharmed, she has been left very shaken by the actions of the men who opportunistically followed her into her home after spotting her in the street.
“I would encourage anyone who recognises the man in the E-fit image – or anyone who has information about the three suspects or the vehicle they were using – to contact us immediately.”
●Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 and quote reference CAD 982/01MAR21. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111 and give information anonymously.
●Read more about it:
Who are the Ilford High Road thugs?
Two teens guilt of Newham murder
●Watch East London’s weekly news magazine programme,
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